Hints And Tips: Job Interview Preparation – 9/2/2014

Five job interview preparation tips that will help you shine.

Pursuing a new job can drive you crazy, even in the growing healthcare industry. Between tangling with online application systems and sending out dozens of resumes, waiting to hear from potential employers and taking time off for interviews, you may feel like you’re losing your mind. Fortunately, it is possible to maintain your senses despite all of these challenges. As Benjamin Franklin once said, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results,” so if you’ve previously tried and failed, consider these job interview preparation hints and tips that will help you put an end to the madness.

1. Compare the job requirements and your skills.

Employers always look for candidates who satisfy the requirements of the job, whether it’s as a medical billing manager or a surgical technologist. If you’ve made it to the interview round of the screening process, the hiring manager obviously thinks you have what it takes. However, this face-to-face meeting is really your opportunity to stand out as the best applicant. Prepare to do so by carefully comparing the job description to your skills and experience. You’ll use your findings later.

For example, a recent posting for an operating room registered nurse at Mee Memorial Hospital specified, “Adapts to changes or unusual circumstances in a way that promotes cooperation and minimizes disruption in working environment.” Note the skills you have that satisfy this requirement. Then jot down possible stories from past jobs to illustrate them.

2. Determine your top three selling points.

Once you’ve completed your analysis of the healthcare job description, review your notes to determine your top selling points. These will be the three biggest reasons the hiring manager should select you as the best candidate. For example, Duke Primary Care recently posted a job for an urgent care physician. If you’re board certified in family practice, have experience with electronic medical records, and have thrived in continually changing environments in the past, you might be the ideal candidate. While it’s important to answer the questions the interviewer asks, try to find ways to reiterate these points several times over the course of the conversation.

3. Prepare responses to frequently asked interview questions.

It may seem counterintuitive, but preparing answers to possible interview questions is the best way to ensure your responses don’t come across as robotic or rehearsed. Glassdoor’s list of the 50 most common interview questions is a great place to start. Develop replies to queries such as “Why do you want to work for Berkshire Health Systems as a surgical physician assistant?” ahead of time and you can then focus on factors such as tone of voice, eye contact, and body language that also influence the hiring manager’s perception of you. Don’t forget to work in those illustrative stories you noted earlier.

4. Draft a few questions of your own.

At the end of the interview, it’s likely the hiring manager will ask if you have any questions. Respond with, “No, I think you’ve covered it,” or something similar, and he or she may decide you’re disengaged or lazy. This portion of the conversation is your opportunity to show them that you’ve done your research and truly want to understand what it takes to be a successful employee of his healthcare organization.

I read that your hospital is planning to expand in the next year. How will that impact the obstetrics and gynecology department?

Do you have any concerns about my potential to succeed at OhioHealth?

5. Stage a dress rehearsal.

Put on your interview outfit, grab a friend with a video camera, and rehearse the material you’ve prepared. Review the footage you collect and discuss ways to improve on your answers, facial expressions, body language, hand gestures, delivery, and appearance. Repeat the process until you’re able to present a confident, polished version of your best self. If you come across as anxious, overzealous, arrogant, bored, or unfriendly, even credentials from the most prestigious medical program may not be enough to ensure you land the job.

Are you ready to master your next healthcare interview? A few hours of preparation may be all that stands between you and your dream job. For more career development tips and tricks, visit HEALTHeCAREERS Network.